GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The weather continues to cause a shortage of blood in West Michigan.

Michigan Blood says half of the blood drives scheduled this month have been canceled, and fewer people are going to its centers to donate blood because of the cold weather.

The organization provides blood products to hospitals around the state, including here in West Michigan and so it has renewed its plea for donors.

"I need people to be hearty Michiganders and suck it up and come on out and donate blood. I don't want anybody to do anything dangerous or put them at risk, but I do want them to consider that we need a constant flow of blood donors," said Jim Childress of Michigan Blood.

It's not just Michigan Blood in need of donors; the Red Cross is also asking for more help to increase its supply of blood products.